I thought Phimai was a bit boring...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phanom...istorical_Park however is breathtaking...or was when I was there years ago.
All good tips & comments here, that's what makes a forum!
With all those Isaan temples you think somebody would have filmed " Lord of the Rings" there rather than NZ
Didn't notice that vocalneal said his son was an archaeologist. In that case he may be interested in Ban Chiang in Udon Thani, not a temple but a Neolithic through bronze age cultural site from as far back as 5000 BC. Some people, not me, believe it may be the oldest bronze age site in the world. There's a great museum and there's a temple in the area, Wat Pho Si Nai, where you can see digs in progress. Ban Chiang is a world heritage site and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Your son should be fascinated.
Last edited by DrB0b; 17-12-2017 at 01:50 AM.
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I know there are several ancient temples in southern Isaan related to Angkor / the Khmer civilisation. Google 'Khmer temples in Thailand' and a handy map comes up.
The ones I have been to are Phanom Rung south of Buriram, and Phimai north east of Korat. Both have been restored / undergoing restoration, nice spots to visit in their own right aside from the historical aspect. I also went to a crumbling temple somewhere near Surin years ago too - 800 years old and we were still able to climb the stone stairs. Wife still insisted I take my shoes off at the door.
The first time I went to Phanom Rung was in the early 1990s, when it was more or less a pile of rocks in a clearing - the early days of the restoration project. There is something more "authentic" and awe-inspiring about them in that state - somehow easier to appreciate their age. But maybe that's just me.
You son obviously knows of Angkor itself. You can visit there from Isaan easily enough - mini-bus from Surin bus station to the border crossing, taxi from there to Siem Reap for not much. Taxi cost us I think B1200 a few years ago. We went for four or five nights to Siem Reap (means 'kill Thai' or something). We bought a three-day pass to the Angkor reserve and I could have gone back for more - it is a mix of restored temples and piles of rocks in the jungle. Chockers with Chinese tourists lately I'm hearing.
It might be easier for many to pass off the ideals that all the old ruins have an homogenous appearance from the surface, regardless of promoted/obscure historic status - actually, they're not all the same and their particular historic place are different, one from the other.
One's historic curiosity has to be deeper enlightened.
I would highly recommend Prasat Phra Wihan located next to/ within Khao Phra Wihan National Park...though you may have to travel from the Cambodian side depending on latest political situation.
Approx 100 km South-Southeast from Sisaket on Rte 221.
Construction began in mid-10th century predating Angkor Wat.
Prasat Phra Wihan is considered an archeological dream site as yet to be identified figures in its bas-reliefs have confounded experts.
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